Frontier Partner Projects

With its dramatic landscape and ancient traditions, Nepal, the roof of the world, truly is a world wonder. The world's highest mountain ranges plunge into lush valleys teeming with exotic wildlife and throughout, remote monasteries and villages adorn the landscape. From the savannah plains in the south to tropical jungles, temperate coniferous forest and desolate plateaus of the Himalayas, Nepal is one of the most geographically diverse countries on earth. Here, you'll find over 800 species of birds, bears, monkeys, and even royal Bengal Tigers.

Nepal's human population is no less fascinating and comprises a mix of Hindu and Buddhist cultures, where ancient traditions and nomadic lifestyles bring vibrant colour and personalities.

WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?

The aim of this project is to encourage volunteer participation is some much needed community development programmes in and around Kathmandu whilst at the same time giving you the opportunity to explore the dramatic landscapes and throw yourself into some of the amazing adventure activities this country has to offer, giving you the perfect mix of culture, fun and rewarding and thrilling experiences.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

You will arrive into Kathmandu, the heart of Nepal, where you will gain an insight into a society unique in today’s world. Throughout your time on this programme you will be bringing your own strengths and skills to the table whilst learning new ones helping to support local communities and children through your voluntary work at local schools and orphanages. Undoubtedly throughout your time on the project you will draw creative inspiration and ideas from the landscapes and livelihoods of the local communities that surround you. Your time on this exciting project will be split into three different phases:

Orientation and Culture

Upon arrival into the spiritual city of Kathmandu, you will spend the first phase of the programme exploring this vibrant and atmospheric city. You will learn basic Nepali which should help you make friends throughout the rest of your stay here and which will immerse you further into this spiritual culture. There will also be plenty of time for sightseeing, shopping and relaxing in local cafes.

Volunteering

Once you have settled fully into the Nepali way of life, you will then get the opportunity to help out at a local school or orphanage in a number of different capacities, whether that be teaching English, getting involved in environmental awareness programmes or simply playing with the children. You can take this opportunity to visit some of the absorbing holy shrines in the surrounding area such as Buddhanath or the famous Monkey Temple, or the enigmatic Durbar Square in the old city, containing palaces from four different dynasties.

Adventure

The final phase of the programme sees you escaping from Kathmandu to the rural area of Chitwan, five and a half hours south of the capital where the heat is turned up. Chitwan is a haven for wildlife, and is home to the famous one horned rhinoceros. The jungle adventure may involve wildlife spotting elephant rides, canoeing trips and jungle treks, as well as visiting baby elephants.

Continued Adventures………..

For those of you joining the 4 week programme you will then go on to visit Nepal’s wonderful second city, Pokhara, the city that wins a thousand hearts. From here you will enjoy a 3/4 day trek into the Himalayas, staying in local Tea Houses en route, and join a breathtaking white water rafting expedition down the majestic Trishuli River.

Finally you will end your adventure by making your way back to Kathmandu to spend your last few days and enjoy a well earned farewell dinner with the countless friends that you will have made on your travels.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?

You will be picked up from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on the Sunday by a friendly local staff member and taken to your accommodation, 25 minutes away. Once you have had time to rest the local staff will introduce you to your project and the local area. Your in-country coordinator will be more than happy to help you settle in and acclimatise and you'll feel at home in no time in this friendly, vibrant country.

WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?

Throughout your time in Kathmandu you will be staying in shared mixed sex accommodation at the volunteer home. All bedrooms are basic but clean and comfortable and have locks on the doors; lockers are also available upon request. At the volunteer house there is free wifi available, hot and cold showers, common room with TV and DVD’s, roof top terrace and an open kitchen as well as communal books and bicycle. During your time in Chitwan you will be staying at a jungle hotel retreat and for those of you joining the four week programme you will be staying in local tea houses en route which are basic but full of character. Single rooms can be arranged at an additional cost.

WHAT WILL I BE EATING?

You will be provided with 2 meals a day whilst in Kathmandu, consisting of typical Nepali food such as rice, lentils and soup with some vegetables. Breakfast will be about 9:30am in the morning and evening meals at around 7:00pm in the evening. You will also be given tea in the morning and the afternoon. During your stay at the jungle retreat in Chtiwan you will be provided with 3 meals per day.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

In your spare time you are sure to want to discover more of the breathtaking natural environment or explore Nepal's local food and customs by visiting the traditional style restaurants tucked away in the winding back streets of the city. For the adrenaline seekers there is a wealth of opportunity available through local tour operators such as bungee jumping, paragliding, cannoeing, motor biking and rock climbing. Alternatively you may just wish to while away the hours by taking a short trek or hike, through the serene countryside or indulge in your more spiritual side through meditation or by partaking in spa therapy and yoga.

COSTS

2 weeks
£
749

4 weeks
£
1,199

6 weeks
£
1,549

DEPARTURE DATES

Weekly, please aim to arrive on the Sunday

DURATION

2 weeks, 4 weeks or 6 weeks

This project is available throughout the Christmas period

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Before you go

Pre-departure support

Travel & medical advice & documentation

Equipment advice

Discounted medical kit

Free Frontier t-shirt

In-country

Food

Accommodation

Airport pick-up and drop-off

Ground transfers

Local orientation

Project training

In-country emergency support

24-hour international HQ back-up

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Nearest airport(s):
Kathmandu (KTM)

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Flights

Flights are not included in our project costs. However, Frontier have partnered with an experienced and professional team of travel experts to help our volunteers find the best flight deals for their trips with Frontier. This travel specialist operates in the tailor-made, long haul multi-stop travel market, arranging complex airfares and transfers for independent travellers. They provide expertise, security and a vast product range along with a Travel Butler service which is a single point of contact and support whilst you are overseas.

We recommend that you obtain a quote using the following contact details rather than book online, as our partner will offer you the most competitive fares. To receive your quote or to seek any advice for your flights, please contact Frontier’s dedicated team of travel experts on 0800 082 9994 (or +44 800 082 9994 outside the UK) or email frontier@flightcentre.co.uk
.

Visas

Depending on your destination country and your country of origin, you might require a visa. Please see the appropriate country consular website for details or contact our affiliate visa consultancy service. Please note that your visa will usually start on the date that you enter the destination country regardless of when it was issued. Please check with the relevant embassy or high commission. If you are purchasing your visa or paying entry/exit fees in-country you will probably need to pay in US Dollars. If you have any questions please consult the relevant embassy or high commission. Please check the visa information regularly, as changes often happen without warning.

Insurance

You'll need to buy appropriate travel insurance covering your participation on the
project. You won't be able to go without the right travel insurance so double check
to avoid disappointment. Please make sure that you're covered for the whole duration
of your trip – from the day you leave the UK to the day you return. It's also best
to get your travel insurance at the same time as paying the deposit for your project.
Depending on your policy, this will cover you for any unexpected cancellations.

Cancellation and curtailment of your trip (up to the value of your project contribution).

If you are going to be scuba diving you should get coverage for scuba diving up
to 30m, including hyperbaric therapy treatment (unlimited). You should consider
obtaining insurance to cover you for any additional activities which you plan to
do during, before, or after your Frontier project. We recommend that you obtain
cover for your baggage and personal effects.

LEGAL STATEMENT
Frontier Partner Projects and Frontier group projects are run in partnership with
in-country NGOs, small community based organisations, local research institutes,
academic organisations and conservation agencies. Project descriptions and information
are supplied directly by our partners or field staff and are accurate at time of
publishing.

We aim to keep information up to date and accurate, however, the nature of our projects
and in particular the fact that they are constantly evolving and developing in response
to changing needs means that project activities, travel schedules, tour itineraries
and daily timetables can change overnight and without notice.

To apply for this project, or to register your interest, just click on the orange "Apply Now!" button at the top of the menu. Fill out and submit a short application form and then one of our advisors will give you a call back to answer any questions and to progress your application if you wish to continue.

There is no obligation when making an application, and you do not need to pay anything at this point.